Chapter 10: The Ball
Pops had been giddy at the idea of a ball. Benson made sure to get everything organized and soon, the employees got to work getting ready for Saturday evening (when the ball would take place). They had only a few days to get ready. Posters were handed out and the old ballroom was refurbished to cater to the dance. It all turned out looking really good. All that was left was for the ball to take place.
On the evening of the ball, a few hours prior to its commencement, Michelle was looking through her wardrobe for something to wear. "I can't believe you waited until the last minute to pick a dress," said Renae, already in a modest black dress.
"I can't believe you chose a dress that wasn't a ball gown to attend a masquerade ball," said Michelle, still sifting through her clothes.
"Not everyone goes to a ball and wears ball gowns, you know," said Renae.
"I don't care. It's a matter of principle. I feel that if you're not wearing a ball gown at a ball, you're cheating yourself," said Michelle.
"Whatever. I'm gonna go meet up with my date. Later."
"Later." It wasn't long after that when she heard footsteps coming up. They sounded like Renae's, so she said, "Did you forget something?"
"No, I just need some help still," came the voice of Rigby. Michelle turned around and saw the raccoon in a full-out suit with slicked-back hair.
"Wow, Rigby, you look great!" said Michelle.
"Thanks, but I'm really nervous. Do you think you could help me?"
"What do you need?"
"Well, I really want to impress Eileen at the dance, so, could you use your magic singing to help me out?"
"How do you figure my magic singing can help you?" She tried playing stupid since she didn't like where this was headed.
"Well, I saw how you can control things when you sing, so maybe you could control me into impressing her?"
"Controlling people is immoral and I try to stay away from it as much as possible."
"Please, Michelle, this has to work. Besides, if you do this for me, I'll totally owe you a solid."
Michelle laughed. "You have no idea what owing a solid to me can do to a person... but I accept. Step outside my room and let me change. Then, I'll follow you to the ball and explain the plan to you on the way."
"Okay." Rigby stepped out and Michelle went over to a trunk of magical things she had acquired throughout the years. From it, she pulled out what appeared to be a normal cane. She struck herself in the head with it and in a poof of smoke and sparkles, a ball gown appeared on her along with a mask. The ball gown was a light blue that was almost white. The mask was the same color. Both articles of clothing sparkled.
Michelle stepped out of her room then, cane in hand, and followed Rigby to the old ballroom. "All right, here's my plan. I'll control the crowd to make them separate, then, I'll draw the two of you together. You'll dance, have fun, and from there, who knows?" said Michelle.
"Thanks, Michelle, I really appreciate your help in this," said Rigby.
"At the party, I shall be addressed as 'The Blue Light' until midnight when the masks come off." They walked on for a little bit longer, but just outside the dance hall, Michelle noticed something. "Oh, no..."
"What? What is it?"
"Skips is with another girl."
"You don't have a date, do you?" Rigby asked after a pause.
"I can date anyone I wish. Tonight, I just don't wish to see anyone."
"Then why are you so worried about who Skips is dating?"
"They're dating?!" She cleared her throat. "I mean, I couldn't care less."
"Whatever." Rigby shrugged and the two went inside. Michelle went toward the DJ, but before Rigby was entirely out of her sight, she gave him a thumbs up. Michelle whispered something to the DJ and, when the current song had ended and everyone applauded, the DJ spoke.
"All right, all right, y'all havin' fun tonight?" asked the DJ in an upbeat voice. The crowd cheered in response. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, a special treat for you: The Blue Light is going to grace us with a song. Come on up, little lady." He brought a hand down and Michelle took it. She was hoisted onto the stage and as she got her footing, she was handed a microphone. She went to the center stage where a rope was lowered for her. She tied the rope around her foot and a spotlight watched her go up to the rafters. She made her way to the center chandelier and perched on it.
"This song is for all those girls out there that just need love in their lives, but aren't really succeeding in getting it," said Michelle. The music started and her voice sounded just as angelic as ever as she began: "Party girls don't get hurt, can't feel anything. When will I learn? I push it down, push it down. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. Throw 'em back 'til I lose count." She stood up and began swinging the chandelier (which had lowered a little to allow this feat).
She continued, "I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier. I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist, like it doesn't exist. I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel my tears as they dry. I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier. But I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down, won't open my eyes. Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight. Help me, I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down, won't open my eyes. Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight, on for tonight." Below her, many of the people were looking up, but Rigby and Eileen had a large space all to themselves and they danced together as the song went on. Soon, more people brought their eyes to them... just as Michelle had intended. Sure, she wanted to make the song literal by actually swinging from a chandelier, but she didn't want the attention to her, not really.
The song went on: "Sun is up, I'm a mess. Gotta get out now, gotta run from this. Here comes the shame, here comes the shame. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. One, two, three, one, two, three, drink. Throw 'em back 'til I lose count. I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier. I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist, like it doesn't exist. I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel my tears as they dry. I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier. But I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down, won't open my eyes. Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight. Help me, I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down, won't open my eyes. Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight, on for tonight, on for tonight. 'Cause I'm just holding on for tonight. Oh, I'm just holding on for tonight, on for tonight, on for tonight. 'Cause I'm just holding on for tonight. 'Cause I'm just holding on for tonight. Oh, I'm just holding on for tonight, on for tonight, on for tonight."
Couples had danced to the song, holding each other close. Perhaps it was Rigby and Eileen who started it... or perhaps it was the desperation of a love-struck Michelle. The chandelier was still swinging as it lowered some more. Michelle leaped from an insane height, landed on her feet, and stood up just fine. On the chandelier, she had her heels off, so she went back to the stage to retrieve them.
Skips came up to Michelle. "That was really amazing, Michelle," he said.
"Oh, you noticed, did you?" Michelle asked, still breathing hard from the nerves and exertion.
"You're mad at me." It was an observation more than a question.
"No, I'm afraid I'm expressing an emotion more shallow and less justified than anger: Jealousy."
"Jealousy? Who are you jealous of?" His face showed the light of realization just after he asked the question. "You saw me with Sheena, didn't you?" Michelle's face was one of hurt and 'I can't believe you're treating me like this.' "Michelle, I don't like her like that. I've been catching up with her for old times' sake. We had parted on mutual terms. I brought her to the dance tonight because she wanted to go, but she felt like she couldn't go unless she had a date."
"That's not a terrible excuse... but that still doesn't explain how happy you two seem together."
"Of course, we're friends. Nothing more."
"Nothing more?" Skips nodded. "Really?" he nodded again.
"Michelle, perhaps you're right. Perhaps there is something going on between us."
"What are you saying?" she asked, her eyes darting about searchingly.
"Evangeline..." Michelle shivered at the use of her former name. "There's something about you. I didn't know what it was until tonight. I saw you, I learned your name and your past, and... I felt something. I'm not denying that... but, I just didn't know what it was. Just now, when you were swinging from the chandelier, I felt something in my heart that I haven't felt since Desdemona." He put out his hand. "Come on, let's go for a walk." Michelle took his hand and they walked out of the building.
It was a cold night. There was dew deep enough to hide their feet and the air was cold and wet. Michelle shivered, regretting not bringing a coat. Skips noticed. He took off his coat and draped it over Michelle's shoulders. The large garment was difficult to hold onto at first. She wrapped it around herself and hid her hands inside.
"Thank you," she said.
"No problem," he replied. They kept walking until they reached a park bench some ways away from the dance hall. Skips invited Michelle to sit down and she did. He sat beside her and put an arm behind her. They both looked up at the night sky. The moon was a waning crescent and the stars were out shining brightly, despite the city. After some time in silence, Michelle sighed deeply. "What's wrong?"
Michelle laughed bitterly. "I don't trust you," she whispered. "I think you're just trying to cheer me up." She looked at Skips, her eyes already shining with un-shed tears. "It's more disappointing to know that you're being lied to than if you were just simply rejected."
"I'm not rejecting you, Michelle... and I'm also not lying to you," said Skips quietly.
"Then, what is this?"
"A confession." Michelle looked at him strangely. "I think I'm falling in love with you."
Michelle started crying. "Skips, this isn't funny. I've had a crush on you for over 200 years. If you're not being truthful about this, I will hurt you." Skips laughed a little. "I'm not joking. I've brought down creatures twice your size and half your wit."
"I don't doubt it. When you're immortal, you face plenty of monsters." Skips paused. "One monster I have never really been able to face is my own heart. I fell in love with Desdemona and I thought she was everything. She was, at the time. When she died, I felt a hole in my heart. Part of it was because I couldn't save her and part of it was because I lost her. She was my first love and, while nothing can replace that fact, I can look at today and say truly that I have found someone better."
Michelle pulled the coat tighter around her small frame. "Walks, you were my first love. What of that?"
Skips sighed. "Heh, I don't really know what to do here."
"Me neither." They both assumed their nervous habits: Skips scratching the back of his head and Michelle toeing the ground. "Well, let's narrow this down. We'll ask each other very basic questions to determine if we're truly attracted to each other. If not, we can move on."
"What kind of questions were you thinking about?"
Michelle shrugged and thought on it. She asked, "Am I attractive to you?"
"Michelle, I- I mean, this is-" Skips was getting a little flustered.
"No, come on, answer the question. Of course, I could answer the question from my perspective on you first if it'd make you feel better."
"No, Michelle, I just... no one's ever really asked me before." Michelle nodded and urged him on with a smile. That helped him to loosen up a little. He smiled as well. "All right. Yes, you are very attractive to me. I like how you're shaped and I like the way your eyes light up sometimes... you have different smiles, you know."
"Yeah, and?"
"Well, I like those smiles."
"So, we've narrowed down that you think I'm attractive. Now, my turn. If you had asked me, I would have replied with: 'Well, duh! You're the most naturally built guy I've ever seen!' Seriously though, I appreciate guys who keep themselves fit and strong. I like those few times when you smile. You don't do it nearly enough."
"Yeah, well... I guess I haven't had many reasons to smile." Michelle smiled and Skips found himself smiling back.
"All right, then I guess the next question is: Do you like being around me? Is my personality compatible enough with yours?"
"That's two questions, Michelle."
Michelle playfully shoved him. "Whatever. Just answer the question."
Skips thought about it. He thought about the time he had spent with her recently. He had really liked being with her... more than anyone else in 200 years, he realized. "You're very unique, Michelle and you're a lot of fun to be around."
Michelle smiled. "I like being with you because of a few reasons. One of them is that you have an inner strength that nearly exceeds your physical strength. I like that kind of trait. There's also your kindness toward your friends, your courage in the face of danger, and a sweetness that isn't found unless someone gets to know you well. I mean, I really think that if you were- if we were- I think you know what I mean though, don't you?"
"I got the gist." Skips smiled again. Michelle laughed in a carefree way. "Hey, do you want to go somewhere else?" he asked, getting up and offering her his hand.
"Sure," she replied, accepting it. The two didn't go far. They went to the park house where they finally removed their masks. They stood in front of the house and found themselves swaying to an unheard tune. Michelle began humming and, before long, they both heard the faint strings of an orchestra playing the tune. They held each other close and knew from then on, it would be different between them.
They kept dancing, even after the bell in the clock tower struck midnight. On the 12th chime, they looked into each other's eyes. More might have happened, had not Renae come up to them.
"Hey, you guys are missing an awesome party. You should come back," said Renae.
Michelle sighed and reluctantly pulled away. Skips remained by her side. They both followed Renae back to the dance hall. Apparently, their friends had wondered where they had gone. When the answers were deemed unexciting, Skips and Michelle were left alone, but not before Rigby and Eileen came to Michelle to say something.
"Hey, Michelle, thanks for this," said Rigby.
"Yeah, it's a really great party," said Eileen.
Michelle nodded and smiled. "It was the least I could do. Everyone deserves a chance to be loved," said Michelle. She felt Skips's hand on hers and she turned to see his eyes looking into hers. It was the first time she noticed just how striking his eyes looked. They were unlike any other eyes she had ever seen. She smiled at Skips and he returned it. Michelle wrapped her arms around Skips's neck and he wrapped his arms about her waist. "Why don't we give this a shot?" asked Michelle.
"I'd like that," said Skips. The two leaned into each other and slow-danced together, just simply enjoying each other. Little did they know how little time they had left to do this. The infection was still inside Michelle and there didn't seem to be an end in sight. It would take a magic much stronger than Adam's to free her. While it lasted, Michelle still had time to enjoy herself, even with the pain inside.
I want to kiss him, but that would be out of place, especially if he didn't want it... thought Michelle. Just then, Skips gently kissed her cheek and pulled away, heading elsewhere. Michelle brought up a hand to where the kiss was. Her cheek was already growing hot from thinking about it. Now I want more, she thought. I know just how to get there too. How hard could it be?
I like Rigleen. Just to get that out of the way. I am coming to like Mordecai and CJ more, but I still feel like Margaret is more likely. I mean, they never got that close, but it felt more real. IDK. Anyway, I have to get to the romance soon. There's already been too much hurt/comfort to last me a little bit :( The song is "Chandelier" by Sia. I do not own the rights to it at all. I do wish that the music video was someone actually swinging from a chandelier at a party though. That would have made much more sense :P Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks :)